title: Rectus sheath hematoma.
abstract: Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a known complication of anticoagulation therapy and a source of potential morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help to prevent complications including hemodynamic instability, the abdominal compartment syndrome or multiorgan dysfunction. Although the diagnosis can be made clinically, it can be confirmed with computed tomography of the abdomen. Most patients can be managed conservatively; however, it is often necessary to suspend anticoagulation in the acute setting. Rectus sheath hematoma is not a contraindication to resuming anticoagulation once the hematoma has been adequately managed and the patient has returned to a stable clinical baseline.
authors.affiliation: Section of Vascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. oosinbowale@ochsner.org
authors.forename: Olusegun
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Osinbowale
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bartholomew
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D006406:Hematoma / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008297:Male; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014812:Vitamin K